August 25, 2014

The Colorado Buffaloes open the 2014 season and Year Two of the Mike MacIntyre era on August 29 against rival Colorado State in an important tone-setting contest for the program. But before a single tackle is made or one Sefo Liufau pass is completed, several eyebrow-raising developments already seem to be in play if today's team depth chart serves as any indicator.

First, it appears true freshman and listed substitute Shay Fields could see some playing time at wideout, rather than simply being redshirted.

Second, 6'3" sophomore Ahkello Witherspoon did not appear to win a starting job at corner this summer, as the shorter 5'11" senior Greg Henderson and 6'1" junior Ken Crawley are listed as the probable starting cornerbacks on defense.

Third, junior defensive lineman Tyler Hennington sadly is out for the season with a knee injury, leaving the Buffs thin in the trenches.

For that matter, safety depth could be an issue as well with the loss this season of Jered Bell to a knee injury. With Bell out of the picture and nickel corner Chidobe Awuzie seeing more time at safety, the Buffs will be left with two inexperienced freshmen among their four listed substitutes.

Of course, depth charts can be fluid and some things could change by kickoff, but at the least, Buffs fans now have more of a glimpse into what their team's personnel will look like on the field come Friday.